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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Become a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and Change Lives! Starting Pay: $17.00 - $20.25 / hour *Compensation based on shift differential, experience, and education/certification Shift ...

New

Become a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and Change Lives! Starting Pay: $17.00 - $20.25 / hour *Compensation based on shift differential, experience, and education/certification Shift ...

New

Become a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and Change Lives! Starting Pay: $17.00 - $20.25 / hour *Compensation based on shift differential, experience, and education/certification Shift ...

New

Become a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and Change Lives! Starting Pay: $17.00 - $20.25 / hour *Compensation based on shift differential, experience, and education/certification Shift ...

Become a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and Change Lives! Starting Pay: $17.00 - $20.25 / hour *Compensation based on shift differential, experience, and education/certification Shift ...

Become a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and Change Lives! Starting Pay: $17.00 - $20.25 / hour *Compensation based on shift differential, experience, and education/certification Shift ...

New

Direct Support Professional

Orlando, FL · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

As aDirect Support Professional (DSP),you will provide hands-on care and assistance to individuals ... Provide direct care services tailored to the individual's needs. * Assist withActivities of Daily ...

Direct Support Professional

Brooksville, FL · On-site

$12.25 - $14.75/hr

As aDirect Support Professional (DSP),you will provide hands-on care and assistance to individuals ... Provide direct care services tailored to the individual's needs. * Assist withActivities of Daily ...

CS NJ Addendum - Direct Support Professional _1001 _ MPA 3429 * * Employees must cooperate with the licensee and Department of Human Services staff in any inspection, inquiry, or investigation.

Showing results 41-60

Direct Support Professional information

See Florida salary details

$7

$12

$15

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Florida is $12.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.77 and $13.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a direct support professional?

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are caregivers who assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their daily lives. They help with personal care, medication management, meal preparation, and transportation, while also supporting clients in achieving personal goals and participating in community activities. DSPs play a vital role in promoting independence, dignity, and quality of life for those they support.

What are some common challenges direct support professionals face when supporting individuals with disabilities, and how can they effectively handle them?

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) often encounter challenges such as managing behavioral outbursts, ensuring effective communication with nonverbal individuals, and balancing the need for independence with safety. Handling these situations requires patience, empathy, and strong problem-solving skills. Many DSPs find it helpful to use individualized behavior support plans, maintain clear communication with team members, and participate in ongoing training. Building trust and understanding the unique needs of each individual also play a key role in overcoming daily challenges.

What is the difference between Direct Support Professional vs Personal Care Assistant?

AspectDirect Support ProfessionalPersonal Care Assistant
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, sometimes specialized trainingCPR, First Aid often required
Work EnvironmentAssisting individuals with disabilities in community or residential settingsProviding personal care in private homes or facilities
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, government agencies, healthcare providersHome care agencies, private clients

Both roles involve assisting individuals with daily activities, often requiring similar certifications like CPR and First Aid. However, Direct Support Professionals typically work in community or residential settings supporting people with disabilities, while Personal Care Assistants mainly provide personal care services in private homes. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the role that best matches their skills and career goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a direct support professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Direct Support Professional, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic caregiving knowledge, and an understanding of developmental disabilities. Familiarity with documentation systems, incident reporting tools, and sometimes CPR/First Aid certification is typically required. Patience, strong interpersonal skills, and empathy are crucial soft skills for effectively supporting individuals and building trust. These skills are vital for ensuring client safety, promoting independence, and delivering compassionate care tailored to each individual's needs.

Where do direct support professionals get paid the most?

Direct Support Professionals tend to earn higher wages in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for healthcare and social services, such as certain metropolitan areas. States or cities with a strong focus on healthcare, social services, or specialized care often offer higher pay rates for this role. Factors like experience, certifications, and the specific employer also influence salary levels.
What are popular job titles related to Direct Support Professional jobs in Florida? For Direct Support Professional jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Florida are:
What cities in Florida are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities in Florida with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $25,312 per year, or $12.2 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

Devereux

Palm Bay, FL

$17 - $20.25/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New


Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 239 rated social care providers


Job description

Unlock Potential: Become a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and Change Lives!

 

Starting Pay: $17.00 - $20.25 / hour

*Compensation based on shift differential, experience, and education/certification

Shift Differentials: Up to $2.00/hr (2nd & 3rd shift)

Experience Pay: Up to $2.00/hr for related DSP or behavioral health experience

Education Pay: +$0.48/hr (Bachelor’s), +$0.72/hr (Master’s)

Certification Pay: +$0.48/hr for an active CNA or RBT certification

 

Benefits and Rewards

  • Up to 24 PTO days/year (increases with service)
  • Up to 64 hours of sick time
  • Low-cost medical, dental, vision Devereux Benefits
  • 403(b) retirement plan
  • ASCEND Tuition Program
  • Student loan repayment assistance
  • Payactiv: Access your earned wages early
  • Employee Assistance Program & Discounts

As a Direct Support Professional (DSP), you will provide care and behavioral support for youth with emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges. This is a hands-on, mission-driven role ideal for anyone interested in human services, psychology, social work, youth care, mental health, or caregiving.

Responsibilities include:

  • Assist with daily living activities (bathing, dressing, meals)
  • Help implement behavior support plans
  • Teach life, social, and communication skills
  • Respond to and de-escalate crisis situations
  • Maintain daily documentation
  • Transport to school, appointments, and community outings
  • Work closely with clinical treatment team

Location:  Palm Bay Group Homes (Palm Bay, FL)

#DSPFL


Education: High school diploma or GED required

Experience: No Experience? No Problem! We believe in investing in our people. That’s why we offer a comprehensive two-week orientation to set you up for success, followed by continuous on-the-job training throughout your career at Devereux. 

Schedule: Currently hiring for 2nd shift (2:45pm to 11:00pm) and 3rd shift (10:45pm - 7:00am)

  • Must be able to work weekends and holidays. 
  • Must be able to work at least one weekend day (Saturday or Sunday).
  • Must be able to complete a two-week (Monday - Friday) new hire orientation class; hours are approximately 9:00am to 5:00pm each day. Orientation is held in Titusville, FL.

Other Requirements:

  • Successfully pass pre-employment medical screenings which include: Drug Test, Physical, and TB Test.
  • Must be at least 21 years of age or older.
  • Successfully pass a Level 2 background screening with the State of Florida. To learn more visit: https://info.flclearinghouse.com
  • Valid driver's license.  Occasional driving of Devereux vehicles for business purposes.  Must be able to drive a car and a passenger van (which holds up to 15 passengers). 

Devereux has a zero-tolerance policy for abuse and maintains policies and procedures to systematically reduce the risk of abuse to occur in our organization. Devereux fosters a culture of reporting abuse, and will cooperate with the authorities to the fullest extent possible.

For more information, please reach out us at flrecruitment@devereux.org


Company Overview 

Devereux is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit organizations, providing services, insight and leadership in the evolving field of behavioral healthcare. Founded in 1912, Devereux operates a comprehensive national network of clinical, therapeutic, educational and employment programs that positively impact the lives of 10,000+ children, adults – and their families – every year.    

Our Mission: Devereux changes lives – by unlocking and nurturing human potential for people living with emotional, behavioral or cognitive differences.    

With nearly 6,500 employees working in programs across the country, Devereux is a trusted partner for families, schools and communities, serving individuals in the areas of autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, specialty mental health, education and foster care. 

Our Culture, Our Expectations  

At Devereux, Servant Leadership is embedded throughout our culture and every aspect of our organizational framework. Our mission-driven, people-first mindset is at the heart of the compassionate and high-quality programming we provide – every day – for the individuals and families we serve, and other key stakeholders. Devereux offers challenging and exciting work, and our team environment creates an empowering, positive and rewarding atmosphere. To be successful at Devereux, you will: put the needs of others first, feel called to serve and called to lead. As a member of our team, you will be a significant part of our commitment to providing a welcoming and supportive work environment across all programs and services, and within all policies and employee practices.  

We believe a workplace rooted in inclusivity – offering a sense of belonging to all those who walk through our doors – is fundamental to delivering the highest quality healthcare services. Through open dialogue and the creation of brave spaces, we will engage in work that gives each of us a chance to change the world – one person, one family, one community at a time. 

What Devereux Offers You 

In addition to a competitive salary, Devereux provides a comprehensive health and welfare program to eligible full-time employees, family members and domestic partners. Eligible employees are eligible to start benefits after 30 days of employment. In addition, we offer;  

  • Medical (including telemedicine via phone, web, app), dental, prescription drug, preventative care, and mental health services. 
  • Student loan debt assistance, tuition reimbursement and continuing education assistance. 
  • Generous time-off (start accruing 1st day), 403(b) retirement plan with matching benefit, and voluntary/employee paid supplemental life and accident coverage. 
  • Employee assistance / work-life balance program. 

Visit www.mydevereuxbenefits.org to see why Devereux is a great place to work!  

Devereux is a drug-free workplace, drug screening required. EOE


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